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Fiona Robyn Ingram

The Search for the Stone of Excalibur: The Chronicles of the Stone (Book 2)

Synopsis

Continuing the adventure that began in Egypt a few months prior in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, cousins Adam and Justin Sinclair are hot on the trail of the second Stone of Power, one of seven ancient stones lost centuries ago. This stone might be embedded in the hilt of a newly discovered sword that archaeologists believe belonged to King Arthur: Excalibur. However, their long-standing enemy, Dr. Khalid, is following them as they travel to Scotland to investigate an old castle. Little do they know there is another deadly force, the Eaters of Poison, who have their own mission to complete. Time is running out as the confluence of the planets draws closer. Can Justin and Adam find the second Stone of Power and survive? And why did Aunt Isabel send a girl with them? Join Justin and Adam as they search not only for the second Stone of Power, but also for the Scroll of the Ancients, a mysterious document that holds important clues to the Seven Stones of Power. As their adventure unfolds, they face dangers that make even their perils in Egypt look tame. And how annoying for them that their tag-along companion, Kim, seems to have such good ideas when they are stumped. Book extras include some historical background on King Arthur, the Dark Ages, warfare and weaponry during Arthur’s time, and details on Excalibur. A fascinating peek into the life of the real King Arthur, perfect for young time travelers and budding archaeologists.

Author Biography

I am a South African children’s author. Up until a few years ago, I was a journalist and editor. Something rather unexpected sparked my new career as an author—a family trip to Egypt with my mother and two young nephews. We had a great time and I thought I’d write them a short story as a different kind of souvenir…. Well, one book and a planned book series later, I had changed careers. The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is a middle grade children’s adventure, filled with action, mystery, history (yes!), geography, archaeology, and all the kind of hands-on/solving clues stuff kids love. The story is a thrilling adventure for two young boys, whose fun trip to Egypt turns into a dangerously exciting quest to uncover an ancient and mysterious secret. Visit www.chroniclesofthestone.com

Author Insight

The Eaters of Poison

The Eaters of Poison are a really scary bunch. They are the descendants of a group of monks from centuries back. They have a mission that has been passed down through the generations. This mission is all they live for, and they're not afraid to get rid of anyone who stands in their way. Why are they called the Eaters of Poison? Interestingly, they were fed poison from an early age so that their bodies contain poison; just one scratch is enough for them to harm their enemies. Unfortunately, they might think Adam and his friends are just that!

Book Excerpt

The Search for the Stone of Excalibur: The Chronicles of the Stone (Book 2)

Adam couldn’t see the person properly because he, or it might have been a she, was enveloped in a long, flowing garment, like a cloak with a hood. The person must have been sweating under the thick fabric in such warm weather. Then he heard Humphrey’s voice.

“What kind of document are you looking for?”

Humphrey sounded abrupt, even rude, which was odd because Humphrey seemed like the kind of person who would gladly help anyone interested in an old book or manuscript.

“Where did you say you were from?” Humphrey asked suspiciously.

Then the person spoke. It was the most spine-chilling, frightening sound, conjuring up memories of nightmares and horrifying sensations of terror and dread.

“I am a member of the Ancient Association of Antiquarian Book Collectors,” the voice hissed.

The words seemed to slither out of the person’s mouth. Adam’s skin crawled, as if he had touched something disgusting.

“Nothing,” Humphrey snapped. “I’ve had nothing like that for a long time and I’m not expecting anything similar in the near future.”

“Such a pity,” the voice oozed. “But if you do receive any such material, will you keep it aside for me? I will return soon.”

“I can’t promise.” Humphrey’s reply was cautious, as if he were afraid of something.

Then came a laugh; a low, hollow sound, like the faint clang of a church bell. Adam peered around the doorjamb a few inches more, just in time to glimpse a pallid face so skeletally thin that it seemed fleshless, like skin stretched over bare bone. It was a man. He didn’t seem human; he seemed more like a creature from some frightening old fairytale. A lean white hand saluted Humphrey, showing long bony fingers with blackened nails. Under the shadow of the hood, a pair of dark eyes flamed briefly with a demonic light. Then the heavy eyelids closed for a few seconds. When they opened again, the man glanced in Adam’s direction. Adam ducked behind the doorjamb, feeling strangely breathless, as if that fleeting look had sucked the air from his lungs.

The shop bell tinkled as the cloaked man swished out into the street. Adam ran to the shop’s front door with Kim and Justin. Ink and Amelia followed close behind. They looked outside. There was no cloaked man in sight. Just a few casually dressed tourists strolling along and chatting to one another.

“Where’d he go?” Justin asked. The man seemed to have disappeared into thin air.